What treatment is there?

Arthritis is usually painful, and sometimes very painful. Therefore, analgesics or ‘pain killers’ are an essential part of treatment. They can be taken regularly for long-term pain control. Paracetamol-based drugs are usually recommended but other medications can be used.

Other medicinal treatments include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis and particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Make sure you take this medication at regular intervals (as advised by your doctor). Potential side-effects of these medications include the development of stomach and duodenal ulcers, although there are some medications designed to reduce this risk.
• Drugs such as sulphasalazine, gold and methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. Called suppressive agents, these drugs are effective but have some serious side-effects in some people. They must be monitored by your doctor.
• Cortisone injections and cortisone-like tablets (also known as steroids). Their benefits are often dramatic and when used in low doses, are extremely useful in controlling arthritis. The cortisone preparations used for arthritis are not the same steroids used by athletes.

Exercise and physical therapy

Physical measures such as exercise and physiotherapy are essential to maintain your range of movement in joints and to keep your muscles as strong as possible. A regular exercise programme designed to suit you is an essential aspect of pain management and will enhance your feelings of well being.

Can surgery help?

Hip replacement and knee replacement surgery has been one of the major advances in the past 15 years for people with arthritis. These operations are now performed quickly, with short periods of hospitalisation Although all operations can have complications, problems are becoming less and less common. Surgical correction of foot deformities in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is beneficial but as yet not all deformities are correctable, particularly those of the elbows, shoulders and ankles. Ask your doctor if surgery is right for you.